Man Utd learn new referee verdict on Patrick Dorgu goal vs Arsenal after handball claims

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Manchester United have been informed about the reasoning behind the decision to uphold the on-field decision for Patrick Dorgu's goal against Arsenal . Dorgu netted United's second goal in their 3-2 triumph over the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

United were behind in the match following an own goal from Lisandro Martinez, before Bryan Mbeumo swiftly levelled for Michael Carrick's side in North London . Dorgu then gave United the lead in the second half, only for Mikel Merino to draw Arsenal level in the closing stages.

Further drama unfolded as Matheus Cunha struck the winner for United in the final minutes of the match, propelling United into fourth position in the Premier League table.

Whilst referee Craig Pawson faced relatively few controversial calls during the match, there was some debate over whether Dorgu's goal should have been ruled out for a possible handball, reports the Manchester Evening News .

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has clarified why the evidence available to Pawson and the VAR team meant ruling out Dorgu's goal wasn't a possibility.

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"I didn't think he handled it, but it is so hard to see,” Gallagher said on Sky Sports Ref Watch.

"You have to be sure it has struck his arm to disallow it. Does the ball hit his hip and go forward? I think it does."

Ex-England striker Jay Bothroyd joined Gallagher on the panel and backed the former referee's view that allowing Dorgu's goal to stand was the right call.

"If you can't 100 per cent tell if it hits his hand, you have to give the goal,” Bothroyd said.

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"[Martin] Zubimendi did appeal straight away and he is the closest player to him."

Carrick was swift to heap praise on Dorgu after the vital goal against Arsenal, with the Denmark international catching the United boss's eye over the past two matches.

"The move for Pat was a really good move, and the connection through the pitch, but to finish it the way he did was some finish," Carrick said.

"Pat's been a big player for us over the last couple of games. I think in so many ways, attacking wise, obviously he scored two goals, but I think in terms of the threat and his athleticism and his quality coming in as well, and connections.

“I think defensively, he's been immense as well, down the side with Luke [Shaw] and doubling up against two teams that ask a lot of questions down the side.

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"It's a big, big job for him and I'm delighted for him because the two goals he scored, very different goals, but you get that because he's put so much into the performances. It's nice to see him smiling and happy."

The victory for United means Carrick has now secured wins in both matches since taking over as United's interim head coach after Ruben Amorim's departure earlier this month.

United now have only the Premier League to concentrate on until the season concludes, and their victory against Arsenal has seen them overtake both Liverpool and Chelsea in the standings as they chase Champions League qualification.

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